A year ago, Paris faced unheard of flooding caused by a rising Seine.
Now at the beginning of 2018, the floods are back and edging toward being some of the biggest in France’s history. Weeks of rain have taken a toll on the city, swelling the Seine to unmanageable proportions. The river, which cuts through the center of Paris and divides the city into its famous Right and Left Banks, has risen approximately 11 feet above average levels in the past few weeks. Much of the city’s riverbanks and tourist boats have been shut down until water levels return to normal, and citizens are making for higher ground. The SNCF, which runs the city’s transit, has announced that six train stations along the Seine will close for several days, starting Wednesday.
The water level is expected to peak later on Friday when it reaches 19.5 feet, approximately 13 feet above average levels. The rain has affected other areas of France as well. Some 30 departments are on alert for flooding.
For a good visual, just look at the famous statue of the Zouave soldier on the Pont de L’Alma, which is often used as a mark of flooding in Paris. The water is up to his knees! Not the best day to be standing guard at that bridge. But you know what? At least it’s not the Paris flood of 1910.
